KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) along with several partners, on Friday, officially opened a walk-in shower for the homeless.

The unveiling took place at the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in Kingston, in commemoration of World Homeless Day.

The KSAMC said the event was aimed at acknowledging the efforts being made to address the issue of homelessness in a systematic and sustainable way.

Health professionals volunteered to provide free dental, optical and general health checks as well as mental health consultations.

According to the KSAMC, the opening is in keeping with their mandate of ensuring that the homeless are treated with optimum care, dignity and respect.

“The KSAMC cares for homeless persons across the length and breadth of Kingston and St Andrew and that it is the Corporation’s duty to ensure that they are well taken care of,” said Inspector of Poor, Mavis Farquharson.

Executive Director of the NCDA, Michael Tucker said his organisation made contact with a number of homeless clients they have on record and invited them to attend the health fair.

He said the health fair was an effective way to reach one part of their target group, who are in dire need.

“We believe that in showing them that we care through a health fair with free checks, distributing free care packages, simply talking with them and showing them that people still care about them, we can make a major difference in their lives,” Tucker said.